They say it takes a
village to raise a child. I think the same is true for a marathoner. I got to
the finish line of 4 marathons in 17 months with a lot of support, laughter,
concern, laughter, the all-important fuelling AFTER a training walk. Knowing I
had "my people" to rely on for advice, support and the ever important
" we are meeting at 7am"
It creates possibilities you never considered and achievements you once
thought impossible.
The ‘TPW loot bag’ is
essential as it provides necessities and the very important message that
TPW is with us whatever city or town we are in. On a personal note it reminds
me of the very first loot bag I received from my family when I did Marine Corps
in 2005. It was there when I checked in. Epsom salts from Nfld., who knew they
could make you cry. The note in the bag we received this week was lovely and
something I will keep. Thank you, to Lee for organizing and for everyone's good
wishes and contributions to our loot bags. Our goal of finishing a marathon
pales in comparison to world domination (you know who you are!).
Back to Chicago
Marathon weekend. Very special thanks to Phyllis for being team lead, providing
the training plan, booking hotel rooms, arranging credits when over billed and making
dinner reservations. Most important to me was walking with me when my knee was
creaky and painful, offering to drive me wherever I needed despite having plans
and places to be and then bringing breakfast. If I had to walk up that hill, I
may have done serious damage to my knee and not done the marathon this weekend.
It was perfect weather
to do a marathon on Sunday, cool but bright and sunny! I wore shorts as
usual and for me that was a perfect choice.
I didn't see Dianne at the start or finish but Phyllis did and saw her
off before she left for Toronto Sunday night. The idea of dealing with the
airport and flight home same day as a marathon is an achievement all on its
own. It was nice to share training with Dianne, meet her sister and see someone
challenge themselves with her first and second marathons in the same year. Simply
amazing!!
Phyllis, Rorie and I
were in the last corral. We quickly moved into a decent pace only to have me
fall flat on the ground 842 meters in. I was stunned. Thankfully I had Rorie
and Phyllis to help me to my feet and get me moving. I thought oh no, I'd
hurt my knee at less than 1 km and how could I finish before I had really
started. Well I continued to walk and with encouragement and thought less
about my fall and more about the marathon.
Rorie and I stayed
together the rest of the marathon except for when she decided to search from
candy from the spectators. The route was full of spectators, entertainment and
fuel for the participants. People gave out candy, bananas, pretzels, popsicles,
popcorn and for the adventurous participant - beer. We waited until we
finished and claimed our medal for beer. I had a wonderful time walking
with Rorie, though at times I know I was holding her back. I was told as long
as we stay under 9:00 min/km we were good. We did this almost
the full 42.2k but there were a few glances where the Garmin showed 9:10 and
I very selfishly did not mention it but sped up instead.
Our marathon day ended
with a burger and beer/martini dinner with congratulations(free drink)from the
bar manager and celebratory Ghiradelli
chocolate (a tradition started in Disney, I think). Stuart and I had the
pleasure of listening to Rorie and Shirley singing at the table. Shirley
volunteered at the race expo registering participants and was out on the course
with Stuart cheering us on at 20k. We all know how special it is to see someone
you know on the course cheering you on.
This Thanksgiving Monday,
I have much to be thankful for, being a part of our group makes me grateful for
the small things, chocolate milk after a walk and the bigger things, friendship
and support of our group whether we are walking the distance together,
volunteering or busy with what life brings
One last thing, a sign
on the course read, "Toenails go to Heaven". Good to know!!!
